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When should someone you love engage hospice care?

For Christine Pfankuch (who goes by Chris), Hospice Care Coordinator at Castle Hospice, this was a question she once didn’t know how to answer. Twelve years ago, her 87-year-old father was suffering from Pulmonary Fibrosis.

“As a former caregiver for my dad, I didn’t understand what hospice was at the time,” Chris recalls. “I was waiting for someone to tell me when he was at that point.”

“Instead of introducing hospice as an option, his physician suggested he be admitted to the hospital to see if something else was going on. Those were agonizing days for my dad…and for us. Finally, the hospitalist told me she wasn’t sure my dad would make it through the weekend. I was so grateful for her honesty so we could move forward with making my dad comfortable. Unfortunately, by that time we only had two days with him.”

The disappointment stayed with Chris after her father’s passing, but it also called her to action. The former sales, marketing, and financial services professional with years of service experience embarked on a new career.

“My personal experience caring for both of my parents provided me with a wealth of knowledge. It stirred something within me that encouraged me to make a change in my career and become a resource for others. I want to help others navigate the options so they can make the best decisions for their loved ones.”

Chris joined Castle Hospice in September of this year. Being local and family owned, a member of the hospice care team is available to answer questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While services may be provided to anyone living in the Castle communities, we are partnering with other communities in this area. Chris clarified, “We go to wherever the patient calls home. We are an extension of the family and/or facility’s care team.”

“The first thing we do is listen and understand what the patient’s and family’s needs are. We learn about their loved one and what their goals are – physically and beyond. We want to help our patients live fully and include as many personal loves as we can in their care plan.”

 The Castle Hospice care plans are individualized and tailored specifically to a person’s likes and needs, whether it is playing a particular card game, listening to a specific musical artist, or enjoying a special treat or snack. There are hospice agencies that often have a large caseload of patients and are unable to spend individualized time with them. At Castle Hospice, Chris says, our caregivers are involved with the patients and what they enjoy.

“It’s wonderful to witness the connection our nurses and nursing assistants develop. We are in hospice for a reason and it’s because this is truly meaningful work. You can definitely see that in the care we provide.”

Chris once felt that bringing up the word “hospice” meant she was raising the white flag and giving up on her dad. This is a common myth that she is working hard to dispel. “I wish I knew then what I know now. Hospice would have been a welcome relief that would have given us so many more joyful moments. There is no shame in educating yourself. Call and inquire. Be persistent. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s where I missed out.  Hospice can be a wonderful extra layer of care and service, and who wants to miss out on that? It can be a relief to families to get some assistance, help and support. What we do at Castle Hospice is wrap our arms around the family.”

A few weeks ago, Castle Senior Living marked a momentous occasion as we broke ground on our highly anticipated 55-unit senior apartment addition. This addition will be licensed as an RCAC (Residential Care Apartment Complex) and is an expansion to The Grand Hills Castle in New Berlin. This exciting venture represents a significant step forward for us, and we are thrilled about the future prospects it holds for both our residents and the community at large.

With this expansion, The Grand Hills Castle will become a comprehensive continuum care community, offering Independent Living Plus, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services under one luxurious roof. Our vision goes beyond traditional senior living; we aim to create an upscale, resort-like community that prioritizes engaging programs, fine dining, health and wellness, and quality care when needed.

Larger Units, More Amenities, Lower Starting Price

At the heart of our expansion goals is a commitment to providing residents with larger units, a myriad of amenities, all at a more accessible price point than ever before. This makes The Grand Hills Castle a truly unique and special place to call home. We understand the importance of creating an environment that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our residents.

The 55 new units will feature a variety of sizes and floor plans, ensuring that each resident finds a living space that suits their preferences and needs. Emphasizing a connection with nature, every room will boast large, beautiful windows and private balconies, offering panoramic views of the natural wildlife that surrounds our property.

A Lifestyle of Luxury and Comfort

The Grand Hills Castle expansion is not just about adding units; it’s about enhancing the overall lifestyle for our residents. The community will feature state-of-the-art amenities and community spaces designed for aging in place:

• Underground Parking/Storage: Convenient and secure parking options for residents.
• Rooftop Patio & 3rd Floor Party Room: A picturesque space for social gatherings and events.
• Coffee to Cocktail Bar: A cozy spot for residents to relax and socialize.
• Movie Theater: Enjoy the latest films in a comfortable and intimate setting.
• The Aviary Lounge – Social Club: A vibrant space for socializing and community engagement.
• Fitness Room & Yoga Studio: Promoting health and wellness for all residents.
• Piano: A touch of elegance and musical enjoyment.
• Dining Lounge with Outside Dining Patio: Culinary delights in a beautiful setting.
• Outdoor Walking Paths: Stroll amidst nature in our thoughtfully designed paths.
• Fireplace Lounge & Library: A cozy retreat for relaxation and reading.
• Salon & Spa: Pamper yourself with our on-site salon and spa services.
• Outdoor Music Gazebo: Enjoy live music in the open air.
• Anticipated Grand Opening: End of 2024

We are eagerly counting down the days until we can unveil this extraordinary addition to The Grand Hills Castle community. The Grand Hills Castle expansion is not just a building; it’s a promise of an enriched and fulfilling lifestyle for our residents. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we set new standards for senior living.

At Castle Senior Living, we are dedicated to creating not just a place to live but a place to thrive. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this vision to life, ensuring that The Grand Hills Castle remains a community like no other.

Castle Senior Living is excited to announce the grand opening of our Birchrock Castle Expansion on October 19, 2023, following an extensive remodeling and expansion project.

A public celebration will take place on Thursday, October 19th, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 210 McDivitt Lane in Mukwonago.

The community now includes an additional 20 units for the licensed CBRF in an array of room styles from private suites to efficiency and one-bedroom apartments. Residents can choose a new, larger unit that fits them best. The original building is also being remodeled to specialize in Memory Care and designed to showcase the beautiful wetland preserve surrounding our 17-acre property.

When: Thursday, October 19^th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: 210 McDivitt Lane, Mukwonago, WI 53149

Who:  All are welcome to join us for the celebration

Details: A ribbon cutting ceremony with the Village of Mukwonago will take place at 3:00 p.m.  An open house will follow with drinks, appetizers and tours of the building and grounds until 6:00 p.m.

At Castle Hospice, our mission has always been to provide unparalleled care and support to our patients during their end-of-life journey. We take pride in continuously exploring innovative ways to enhance their well-being and bring comfort to their lives. One of the ways we do this is through Reiki and Aromatherapy. As one of the only hospice providers in the area to offer Reiki therapy, we are excited to embrace a holistic approach to help our patients find peace, tranquility, and serenity.

The Power of Reiki Therapy

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive energy healing technique that has garnered widespread recognition for its profound effects on the mind, body, and spirit. At Castle Hospice, we have carefully integrated Reiki therapy into our care programs to bring forth a sense of calm and healing energy for our patients. Our trained and certified Reiki practitioner works closely with each individual, creating a serene and nurturing environment that encourages healing of the whole person.

Benefits of Reiki Therapy:

• Pain Relief: Through Reiki, our patients may experience a reduction in pain and discomfort. Reiki may provide them with much-needed relief, especially for those dealing with chronic pain conditions.
• Stress Reduction: Our Reiki sessions are designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety, allowing our patients to find solace amidst the challenges they face.
• Improved Sleep: We understand the importance of restful sleep. Reiki has shown promising results in improving sleep quality, ensuring our patients receive the rest they deserve.
• Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Reiki assists our patients in processing emotions, offering them a profound sense of emotional support during this vulnerable period.
• Heightened Spiritual Connection: Many of our patients find solace in the spiritual aspect of Reiki, allowing them to cultivate peace, acceptance, and a deeper connection with their inner selves.

Aromatherapy: A Fragrance of Comfort

At Castle Hospice, we believe in the power of fragrance to evoke emotions and create a nurturing atmosphere. Aromatherapy, which harnesses the essence of natural oils, serves as another pillar of comfort in our care. Through the thoughtful use of essential oils, we aim to provide our patients with an enhanced sense of well-being and tranquility.  The essential oils we have selected have been heavily researched to ensure quality, non-reactivity with medications and terminal diseases and to maximize the benefit for the patient.

Benefits of Aromatherapy:

• Mood Elevation: Lavender and orange are just two of the essential oils known for their mood-enhancing properties. Our aromatherapy sessions may uplift the spirits of our patients, fostering a positive environment.
• Alleviating Anxiety and Depression: We understand the emotional challenges our patients may face. Aromatherapy can help reduce feelings of anxiety, agitation, and depression, offering emotional relief.
• Pain Management: Some essential oils possess analgesic properties, which may supplement effective pain management solutions.
• Improved Sleep Quality: Lavender, vetiver and cedarwood have been found to improve sleep quality, allowing our patients to find assistance in experiencing restful sleep.

Embracing a Holistic Approach

By introducing Reiki therapy and Aromatherapy, Castle Hospice is fully committed to embracing a holistic approach to end-of-life care. These therapies not only assist with the physical symptoms but also cater to the whole person – the emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs of our patients.

Our goal is to promote comfort and dignity to help our patients live their lives as fully as possible through end-of-life. As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve our patients with the utmost care, love, and respect throughout their journey with us.

Call us today at 414-930-4432 to find out more.

Castle Senior Living sold their small home communities to Bright Faith Senior Living on June 8, 2023.

Bright Faith Senior Living is another family-owned business, whose owner, Brendt Johannsen, has experience with family members in need of assisted living support.

Kris Kiefer, owner and vice president of Castle Senior Living, states, “We are excited for Brendt and Bright Faith Senior Living. We align on so many levels and believe the transition will be smooth for employees and residents alike. We would not have sold these homes if we didn’t think the high level of care we’ve established wouldn’t be met.”

Communities impacted by the sale include:

• Cambridge Castle
• Camelot Castle
• Emerald Castle
• Castle Gardens
• Castle Ridge
• Ruby Castle
• Sienna Castle
• Victorian Castle

“This transition allows Castle Senior Living to continue to grow and serve the needs of our Castle Hospice patients and our residents at The Grand Hills Castle and Birchrock Castle Community. We are excited for the future and happy to have sold to another family business that genuinely cares for its residents,” adds Kevin Kiefer, owner and president of Castle Senior Living.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us or to reach out to Bright Faith Senior Living.

Here at Castle Senior Living, we have hired several fabulous Mukwonago-area high school students to work as caregivers at Birchrock Castle. These young people bring positive attitudes and smiles to work each day, and residents have embraced them as welcome additions to our team. The five teens recently shared about themselves and their roles with us.

Hailey Graul, 17, hopes for a career in nursing someday. She enjoys her position particularly because she loves making a positive impact and “being able to put a smile on residents’ faces.” Sage Kaiser, 18, aims for smiling residents as well: “It is important to me that each and every one of our residents feels important and loved every time I am working.” After high school, Sage plans to pursue a degree in occupational therapy, specializing in work with the geriatric population and/or stroke victims.

Rylee Radtke, 18, has been touched by the impact she’s been able to make, on both the residents and their families. When a resident passed away, Rylee found out that she had talked to her family regularly about Rylee. Says Rylee, “Seeing the family so grateful and appreciative of the love I had for the resident filled my heart. I want to keep making that impact where others can feel happy, loved, and appreciated.” Rylee is on track to achieve this goal in her desire to become a nurse anesthetist who works on army medical bases.

For aspiring forensic nurse Emily Graber, 16, the residents at Birchrock Castle make her job enjoyable. She says, “The residents always make me laugh, and they are genuinely the best. Each and every story that the residents tell me is amazing and hilarious.” Sage echoes the connections with residents as her favorite part of the position. She believes “they are so wise, and we can learn a lot from them and their experiences.” Future nurse Rylee Georgenson, 17, describes the residents as very kind and cheerful, saying, “I am always excited to come in to see my residents.”

If other young people are considering careers in caregiving, Hailey recommends having “patience and a want to help people.” Emily encourages individuals to especially consider work in memory care, saying, “Working at Castle Senior Living has taught me that caring for dementia patients is hard but totally worth it.” Sage shares that “the field is so rewarding, and you know that you are making a difference with your work.”

Rylee R. has discovered that a caregiving position can help build confidence and teach how to better engage with people—but most importantly, in such work, you can “fulfill a desire to help by meeting unique, amazing people” and make “a wonderful change” in someone’s life. And finally, Rylee G. offers some inspiring advice: “It is worth it! … I don’t feel like I am working. I feel like I am spending time with family. If you are doubting, make the jump and try it. You won’t regret it.”

Castle Hospice recognizes the benefit of emotional support that therapy pets can provide for our patients at end of life, and how that contributes to overall quality of life. Although many types of animals can be trained for therapy work, dogs are the most common in most settings. Unlike a service dog, who is not to be pet while working, a therapy dog’s main job is to be pet and enjoyed by those around them in a safe and trained way.

Liza Falk, our Hospice Spiritual Counselor and Bereavement Coordinator, and her dog Poe have completed their training and testing requirements to become a registered pet therapy team.  We are very excited to announce that Castle Hospice is now able to offer animal assisted therapy for Castle Hospice patients! Liza and Poe have already started bringing joy and comfort to those we serve.

In the hospice setting, individuals are often no longer able to respond as they once did to verbal stimulus, and having the tactile engagement with a properly trained animal can allow them to engage in another way. Liza has witnessed that petting Poe has calmed restless individuals. We’ve also seen individuals who were mostly non-verbal begin to engage in conversation with him. Others may miss their own dogs and pet therapy serves as a way to connect back to their memories and stories. For individuals who are hesitant to greet a dog, he will perform tricks, and often makes people laugh.

A therapy animal is an animal who has been found to be medically fit, and then certified through an oversite agency (such as Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Therapy Dogs International, or Pet Partners etc.).  The animals are trained in a variety of settings in order to react appropriately to differently abled individuals who reside in a variety of settings and may have a variety of needed medical equipment or mobility needs. Once trained they are tested extensively prior to being allowed to perform therapy visits.

If any registered pet therapy teams are interested in volunteering with us as we are hoping to continue expanding our Pet Therapy Program, please contact Liza at liza-hospice@castlewi.com or Yvonne at Yvonne-hospice@castlewi.com. 

We would like to announce and celebrate that The Grand Hills Castle had a deficiency free state survey!

This survey was conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and specifically the Division of Quality Assurance. This division conducts both announced and unannounced surveys of assisted living facilities in Wisconsin to ensure that state licensure/certification and home and community-based services (HCBS) requirements are met.

The surveyor evaluated The Grand Hills Castle’s performance and compliance with applicable laws and standards in the areas of resident rights, program services, nutrition and food service, physical environment and safety, medication, and staff training.

To find out more information about these surveys please visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website.

Castle Senior Living will initiate our annual resident satisfaction survey from March 1 to April 15.  The satisfaction survey is an important part of Castle Senior Living’s participation in the Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), and we use the feedback from these surveys to design wellness programs and customer service initiatives. This satisfaction survey is also vital to a statewide initiative to continuously improve the quality of service provided by participating assisted living provider organizations. WCCEAL is an unprecedented collaboration between:

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Board on Aging and Long Term Care
• Disability Service Provider Network (DSPN)
• LeadingAge Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Assisted Living Association (WALA)
• Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living (WHCA/WiCAL)

Satisfaction surveys will be delivered to all residents and mailed to resident guardians or responsible party (if applicable). Completed surveys can be returned via the self-addressed stamped envelope directly to WCCEAL or dropped off at any Castle Senior Living community. All survey responses are confidential unless participants choose to disclose feedback. Surveys must be post-marked by April 15, 2023.  Residents who can respond to surveys, but need some assistance completing the form, will receive help from a social worker if they choose to participate.

We truly appreciate the confidence you have placed in our organization throughout the years. We hope you find comfort in knowing we are constantly improving processes to deliver quality care and participate in our 2023 satisfaction survey.